The Charming Small Town in Illinois That's Perfect For A Fall Day Trip
By Linze Rice|Published September 05, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
There’s nothing better than a fall day in Illinois. After a scorching summer, and just before a long, dark, winter, we get a brief reprieve from the extremes with about 6-8 weeks’ worth of lovely sweater weather, campfires, and golden leaves. It’s an ideal time of year for a road trip to visit a pumpkin patch, fall festival, or do some craft show shopping. For those who, like me, enjoy making the most out of the fleeting season, we rounded up the best things to do in Clinton, Illinois for a fall day trip.
Located right in the heart of Illinois, Clinton is the the DeWitt County seat. With a population of about 7,000 residents, the small town is full of charm — especially once the season changes from summer to fall.
Its downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. These are the kinds of destinations I look for when seeking a small-town getaway.
In fact, fall is one of the best times to visit the Prairie State. Illinois is home to a number of fantastic fall festivals, gorgeous foliage, and plenty of Midwestern traditions that make it the ideal place for a seasonal adventure.
Clinton is a great example of this — it's home to the beloved Apple n' Pork Festival, Terror on Washington Haunted House, a serene state park, incredible fall foods, local shopping, and historic sites ripe for exploration.
Each year, hundreds of people flock to the historic C. H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum for fall tours during the Apple n' Pork Festival.
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The Apple n' Pork Festival originated in 1967 and is one of the state's biggest fall fests. Tens of thousands of people descend upon the fair grounds to peruse craft vendors, enjoy activities for kids and families, get live entertainment, and, most of all, indulge in an astonishing array of fresh fall foods.
The 2023 festival takes place the weekend of September 23 and 24.
Apples are featured in everything from apple butter, cider doughnuts, apple floats, apple pies, caramel apples, apple sheet danishes, and more. If you've never had apple butter on a piece of warm bread, I would highly recommend it.
Pork is also represented in myriad ways — from kettle-cooked ham and beans to ribs, cutlets, bratwurst, smoked ham, and my favorite, pork chop sandwiches.
For a some more relaxed fall recreation, a trip to Weldon Springs State Park is the way to go. With hiking trails, a lake, and lush forests, it's a picturesque way to immerse yourself in the changing season.
Of course, one of my favorite aspects of fall is decorating. Fortunately, Flower Corner & Country Church Craft Mall at 1160 State Route 54 has shoppers covered. The flower and gift shop is full of adorable pieces for the home and garden.
So, will the best things to do in Clinton, Illinois for a fall day trip make your travel bucket list? Where’s your favorite place to enjoy a fall day in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the City of Clinton’s website, as well as the Apple n’ Pork Festival Facebook page and the Terror on Washington Street website. Want to fully embrace the season with a cute fall? This adorable, top-rated crewneck sweatshirt from Etsy has all the autumn vibes! And if you plan to make a road trip to visit Clinton, make sure you have all your travel essentials ready with our handy road trip packing guide.
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